Fueling a Strong Economy: Lower Rio Grande Valley Active Plan

The total construction cost for the six high-priority catalyst projects, including 75 miles of multiuse trails, paddling trails, and bicycle routes, is estimated at $36.4 million.

Construction Phase: Economic Impact

During the course of construction of the six catalyst projects, the projects are anticipated to generate $14 million in labor income and $5.3 million in local, state and federal taxes, and have an economic impact of $56 million. Each dollar invested in trail construction will be offset by the economic impact of construction alone, yielding $1.53 in economic activity within Cameron County.

Construction Phase: Job Creation

It is estimated that the trail construction portion of this project will lead to 453 Cameron County jobs (and $14.3 million in labor income). In the 10th year after the trail network opening, it is estimated that non-local visitors will create 554 Cameron County jobs (and $16.8 million in labor income).

First 10 Years After Completion: Economic Impact

In the first 10 years, out-of-town visitors associated with the catalyst projects are projected to spend nearly $367 million in Cameron County. By the 10th year following construction of the six catalyst projects, it is estimated that non-local visitors will spend $39.6 million in Cameron County, generate $17 million in labor income, have a total annual economic impact of $57 million and provide more than $9 million in local, state and federal taxes.

First 10 Years After Completion: Health Savings

In addition to economic impact, the projected yearly medical cost savings to residents are estimated to be between $3,108,653.20 and $6,492,040.44.